Shropshire Star

Campaigners' delight as rail services saved

A decision by Arriva Trains Wales to save two direct services which run between Birmingham and Wrexham has been welcomed by rail users.

Published

The company had wanted to scrap the 7am Shrewsbury to Wrexham and 7.47am return train, but both have now been included in the May 2015 timetable.

Shrewsbury to Chester Rail Users Association (SCRUA), which launched a campaign to save the services in September, said it is delighted at the news.

Paul Lindsay, spokesman for SCRUA, which represents passenger interests along the line, said: "It is likely that without the vigorous campaigning and support of the public and politicians, this important rail service would have been lost and travellers between Wrexham and Birmingham would have been severely inconvenienced. We thank everyone who helped us to make this a successful campaign and we are very pleased that common sense has prevailed.

"Pressure from SCRUA included an online petition that attracted over 500 signatures coupled with a local passenger survey indicating that a significant number of passengers would suffer hardship if the service ceased. This was backed by significant cross party support from local politicians.

"SCRUA will continue its work to endeavour to continue to work with franchise holder Arriva Trains Wales and the Welsh Government to maximise travel opportunities in our region."

A spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales said the May 2015 timetable had been drawn up after working with the Welsh Government to add extra services to the Cambrian line and the Heart of Wales line.

He said: "Working with a fixed amount of rolling stock available to us, our train planning team in partnership with Network Rail, have had to innovatively maximise the efficient use of our trains whilst minimising the impact on existing services, in order to make trains available to provide these extra services.

"We have also used the timetable change to fine-tune operations to improve connections to other services and to make services more convenient for commuters.

"Feedback from this consultation process will be considered for future timetable considerations and dialogue with Welsh Government."

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates said he was delighted that the service would be retained.

He said: "It's excellent news for many of my constituents who get on at Chirk and Ruabon. I made repeated representations and am delighted it's been saved."

And North Wales Assembly Member Aled Roberts said: "This is a victory for the people who backed the campaign. We were overwhelmed by the support given to the petition to save the Birmingham commuter train service."

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